for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him -- all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers -- all things were created through him and for him.

and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross -- through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds,

but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him --

I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable.

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

In him you also were circumcised -- not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ.

Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead.

He has not held fast to the head from whom the whole body, supported and knit together through its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.